Princeton's Condon making strides with Montreal's Black Aces'

NEW YORK — He walked through Madison Square Garden cloaked in anonymity, a credential around his neck that read “player, Montreal Canadiens” the only sign that he stood out from anyone else in the press box that night.

But all Mike Condon has done all year long is stand out, coming a long way from a four-year journey with the Princeton University men’s hockey team that had plenty of ups and downs. Playing for a losing team while splitting time with fellow netminder Sean Bonar, the 24-year-old wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to have a successful pro career.

“I never really gave up hope, but I knew it was going to be a long shot,” Condon said. “It just goes to show you a little bit of faith and a lot of effort can take you a long way.”

This close to signing with the Central League after his days with the Tigers were done last spring, he instead landed a job with the ECHL’s Ontario Reign, which he parlayed into a gig with the AHL’s Houston Aeros. After experiencing success at both stops, the Montreal Canadiens took notice and signed him to a two-year entry-level contract starting with this year.

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“You need a few bounces and you need a little luck, but you also have to be good to be lucky,” he said. “I was very fortunate last spring, and I’m just trying to make my time here worthwhile.”

Condon has certainly made Montreal’s investment in him pay quick dividends. He started at the bottom of the team’s depth chart in ECHL Wheeling, but quickly made waves in the organization by posting a 23-12-0-4 record with a 2.18 goals against average and .931 save percentage in 39 appearances for the Nailers. He was named the league’s goaltender of the week on three separate occasions and also earned playing time with the Canadiens AHL affiliate in Hamilton, which is where he’s likely slated to play next season.

But the focus for now remains on the end of this season, where the Needham, Mass. native has been an unexpected addition to Montreal’s “Black Aces,” a group of extra players that skates with the regulars during their postseason run.

“It’s been a really eye-opening experience, in terms of the work ethic that a lot of these guys have,” Condon said.

“You take a look at a goalie like (backup) Peter Budaj, who’s played in this league a long time. He’s the first guy on and the last guy off, and it just shows you the effort. You thought that you were working hard, but in retrospect these guys that have made it are still working a lot harder than you think you are.”

In his current role, Condon faces shots from the team’s regular players, and is making a quick adjustment to the National Hockey League.

“I’m just trying to keep my mouth shut and to speak when spoken to,” he said through a chuckle.

“I’m trying to absorb as much as I can and make a good impression on everyone in the organization. It’s cool to see the speed of a shot in the NHL, it’s something that you only get glimpses of in the AHL and ECHL. These guys are so good, and if you give them an inch, they’ll take a mile. It shows you how much quicker, stronger and smarter you have to be up here. I have a lot of work to do.”